Dietary Restrictions and Food Ethics in Islam and Kazakh Tradition

In this chapter, the author treats food not merely as physical sustenance, but as a medium of spiritual influence. Every meal, he suggests, carries energy and affects the heart and mind. Thus, the source of the food, the manner in which it is acquired, the intention behind eating, and the etiquette of consumption all fall under the domain of spiritual discipline.

While the chapter reviews Islamic dietary laws — including what is halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden) — the author emphasizes that sharia goes beyond a list of allowed and prohibited items. It considers the moral and intentional context: how food is earned, shared, and respected.

A striking example from Kazakh tradition:

“If a Kazakh began eating without saying ‘Bismillah’, it was seen as arrogance. Since food is a gift from Allah, to eat without acknowledging the Giver was viewed as spiritual blindness.”

The Kazakh saying “You are not above the food” is interpreted here as a reminder that food is a sacred trust (amanat) from God — and how we treat it reflects our level of awareness and gratitude.

Key points explored in the chapter include:
 – Halal and haram not just as labels, but based on source and sincerity
 – Supplications before and after meals
 – Shared eating as a gesture of communal bonding
 – Avoiding food waste as a sign of respect for divine provision
 – Excess and carelessness as symptoms of ingratitude

The author critiques modern food culture — fast consumption, overeating, and indifference to ingredients — as spiritual erosion in daily life. He encourages a return to intentionality, modesty, and sacred etiquette at the table.